On January 30, 2024, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Senate Finance committee in support of SB 222- State Board of Environmental Health Specialists - Quorum, Examination, Apprenticeships. This bill helps integrate entry-level Environmental Health Specialists into local departments, clarifies procedures for the Board of Environmental Health Specialists, and streamlines the examination process for licensure.
Workforce challenges are plaguing a number of government sectors including the local environmental health divisions across Maryland. The apprenticeship program outlined in SB 222 will, among other things, helps get these specialists certified and, on the ground, working in local communities faster.
From MACo Testimony:
Environmental Health Specialists are needed every day in every jurisdiction to make sure communities have the appropriate resources to stay healthy and thriving. Their role includes ensuring the safety of life's essentials - food, water, and habitat. Unfortunately, workforce shortages in this field are creating precarious circumstances for these divisions locally, but the provisions in this bill have the potential to alleviate some of that strain.
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